Business students collaborated with a noted Colorado builder, Oakwood Homes, to construct three single-family model homes in Denver’s Green Valley Ranch neighborhood. Photo: Heidi Von Feldt
As part of a long-standing partnership, students at the University of Denver Franklin L. Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management have collaborated with a noted Colorado builder, Oakwood Homes, to construct three single-family model homes in Denver’s Green Valley Ranch neighborhood.
For 17 years, the Burns School and Oakwood Homes have teamed up on homebuilding projects that allow students to help manage every aspect of the construction project as their capstone class. Historically, the team managed construction on one home per year, but this year they managed construction on multiple model homes.
“The hands-on building experience we received, combined with DU’s classroom curriculum, provide a foundation for successful careers in construction and real estate management,” said student Heidi Von Feldt, the practicum class leader.
Frank Walker, chief operating officer of Oakwood Homes, said students learned about opportunities, challenges and efficiencies that come with managing multiple projects simultaneously.
“Also, this project partnership allowed us to take in the latest in building-science technology and apply it to our work,” he said.
The three model homes utilize energy-efficient technology and meet current consumer demands for open floor plans and finished basements.
Two years ago, the group built a net-zero home, a home that produces as much energy as it uses in a given year, which sold for $315,000. Their goal for 2012 was to build a net-zero home for under $200,000. That home sold for $189,000.
This year’s class focused on getting hands-on experience with managing multiple homebuilding projects at once. Students also created their own corporation, named “DUrt Development Group,” which incorporates social media, marketing and operations similar to the daily aspects of a real estate organization.
Together with Oakwood Homes, the students showcased their finished work in a ribbon-cutting ceremony in mid-May at one of the newly constructed model homes.
Wendy Aiello is president of Aiello Public Relations & Marketing.
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